Dealing With Damaged Paving

Asphalt is a very practical surface for a driveway or a parking space. However, as it is open to the elements, it may suffer damage that needs to be repaired. Here is a quick guide to the types of cracks that you may find if you inspect your asphalt surface.

Edge cracks

One very common type of damage is cracking around the edge of the asphalt. This can have a number of causes. A lack of drainage or poor support at the edge of the asphalt can lead to cracking, but it can also be caused by heavy vegetation growing around the sides. If this is the case, and the damage is fairly minor, it can be fixed just by removing the vegetation. Otherwise, the cracks will need sealing or repairing, and in extreme cases, you may need to resurface the area altogether.

Scale cracks

The second type of cracking is often known as alligator cracking because of its scaly appearance. This is usually caused by structural problems in the base of the asphalt surface. This could be a drainage problem or could be due to an insufficiently strong base layer. Unfortunately, the exact cause is not usually obvious without further investigation, which will probably involve digging up part of the asphalt.

Block cracking

A third type is known as block cracking. This is because the cracks tend to take the form of a pattern of rectangles, which look like interlocking bricks They tend to appear on older surfaces and are due to the underlying base being insufficiently strong. Sealing the cracks may work in the short term, but block cracks may be a sign that the area needs to be completely resurfaced.

Linear cracking

Finally, asphalt surfaces may crack in a line that follows the direction of the surface. This can have a number of causes. As well as problems with the construction, it can be due to ageing or too much weight on the weaker parts of the surface. Sealing the cracks may be a temporary solution, but it is likely that the cracked section will have to be removed and replaced, and then resurfaced.

If you have any concerns with your asphalt surface, the best thing to do is to contact a professional asphalt repair company. They will be able to diagnose the problem and carry out the correct repair so that your asphalt surface can continue to work for you into the future.